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The US Navy’s top acquisition priority stumbles out of the gate

By: David B. Larter, Defense News

The U.S. Navy’s $122.3 billion Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program is off to an inauspicious start after faulty welding was discovered in several missile tubes destined for both the Columbia and Virginia-class programs, as well as the United Kingdom’s follow-on SSBN program.

In all, 12 missile tubes manufactured by BWXT, Inc., are being scrutinized for substandard welds. Seven of the 12 had been delivered to prime contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat and were in various stages of outfitting, and five were still under construction. The Navy and Electric Boat have launched an investigation, according to a statement from Naval Sea Systems Command spokesman Bill Couch. (read more)

The photo in the header above shows sailors assigned to the Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) transit the Hood Canal as they return home to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following their first strategic patrol since 2013. Nebraska recently completed a 41-month engineered refueling overhaul, which will extend the life of the submarine for another 20 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda R. Gray/Released)